What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, a form of muscular rheumatism affects women more than men. But with education and proper treatment Fibromyalgia can be controlled.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a form of generalized muscular pain and fatigue. The pain occurs in the muscles and fibrous connective tissues (ligaments and tendons) affecting approximately 5 million people in the U.S.

The name "fibromyalgia" replaces the term "fibrositis." Rather than arthritis of a joint, fibromyalgia affects the muscles and has been described as muscular rheumatism. Since it affects the attachments to bones it can sometimes feel like bone pain.

Diagnosis:
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by the presence of pain at the tender points. So far, no laboratory test has been established to make a diagnosis. Most doctors are unable to determine if a patient has the condition or not so a rheumatologist is recommended.

Fibromyalgia never goes away but waxes and wanes. There are days when it eases up a bit, and then there are days when the pain increases. With proper treatment this condition can be kept under control.